How to build a garden gate

This step by step project is about how to build a garden gate. Building a garden gate out of wood is a basic woodworking project that will add value to your property. Nevertheless, there are a few things that you should know before starting the actual construction. Work with attention and with great care, if you want to keep the costs as low as possible and to obtain a professional result.

If you want to create something unique for your yard, you should take into account building a wooden gate. As you will see in the project, any person with basic woodworking project can get the job done in a professional manner, as the construction doesn’t require complex techniques. Plan everything from the very beginning and invest in the best quality materials you can afford.

As in any other woodworking project, you should align every component at both ends and take accurate measurements. Always adjust the size of the garden gate to your needs, while using the techniques described in the project. Add wooden beams to the top of the posts, if you want to add style to your project. In addition, you can increase the joints by adding waterproof glue.

Made from this plan

Building a garden gate

Building a garden gate

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 133 1/2″ long POSTS

B – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 71″ long BEAMS

C – 2 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 96″ long FRAME

D – 11 pieces of of 1×4 – 50″ long SLATS

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses

Miter saw, jigsaw, pocket hole jig

Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil

Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components

Adjust the size of the shelves, according to your needs and tastes

Time

One Day

Related

How to build a garden gate

Setting the posts

The first step of the woodworking project is to set the wooden posts into concrete. As you can notice in the image, we recommend you to dig 2-3′ deep holes (12″ in diameter) and compact a 2″ later of gravel on the bottom.

Smart tip: Fit tube forms into place and set the posts. Plumb them with a spirit level and use braces to secure them tightly. Fill the holes with concrete and level the surface with a trowel.

Building the frame

Let the concrete to dry out for several days, while building the frame of the garden gate. Use 2×3 lumber to build the frame of the gate, using the information described in the plans. Use a good saw to adjust the components at the right size before assembling the frame. Drill pilot holes and add waterproof glue to the joints, before inserting the galvanized screws.

Attaching the slats

Attach 1×4 slats to the frame using the pattern shown in the image. Nevertheless, don’t forget that you could choose any design that fits your tastes, while using the techniques described. Lay the frame of a level surface, before attaching the slats into place. Drill pilot holes trough the slats and insert galvanized screws into the frame, after aligning them at both ends. Place a small piece of plywood between the slats, in order to get constant gaps.

Attaching the gate into place

After assembling the gate you should hang it to the wooden posts. In order to get the job done as a professional, we recommend you to place the gate on several pieces of lumber, making sure the frame is perfectly horizontal.

Smart tip: Install the metal hinges to the posts and to the gate, while a friend hold everything into place. Don’t forget the install the latch to the gate, as to lock it tightly.

Attaching the support beams

If you really want to add value to your woodworking project, we recommend you to attach 2×6 beams to the top of the posts. Cut the ends of the beams in a decorative manner, before drilling pilot holes and inserting the carriage bolts. Place a spirit level on the beams to check if the components are perfectly horizontal.

How to build a garden gate

Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. In order to build a garden gate, you have to fill the holes with a good wood filler and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper along the wood grain, after the compound has dried out.

Smart tip: Apply several coats of stain or paint over the wooden components, in order to protect the components from decay and to enhance their look.

Thank you for reading our project about how to build a garden gate and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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